Cobblers attacker D’Ath excited by Milton Keynes FA Cup challenge

Jeremy Casey

Lawson D’Ath is looking forward to testing himself against Sky Bet Championship opposition when the Cobblers entertain Milton Keynes Dons in the FA Cup on Saturday.

When the third round draw was made back in December, it’s fair to say excitement levels weren’t exactly at fever pitch for the Sixfields showdown, with the Cobblers supporters hoping they were going to draw one of the Premier League big boys.

But the fact is, the match against Dons is already a complete sell-out and seems to have, for whatever reason, captured the imagination of both sets of supporters who insist this is no ‘derby date’, despite the close proximity of the two clubs.

As a player, D’Ath admits it would have been better to be preparing for a match against a Manchester United or a Liverpool, but he insists he and his team-mates are excited by the challenge of taking on the Dons, and that it would be a feather in the cap for the club if the Cobblers were to win it.

“I know MK Dons might not have the history because of what happened with the split of the clubs, but they’re in the championship, so it is two leagues above us, and if we beat them it is still a big achievement,” said D’Ath.

“Their players will be on God knows how much money, and if we beat them, it would be a big achievement, just like winning at Coventry in the first round was a big achievement.

“You would be really happy to play your Man Uniteds, but I still see MK Dons a tough opposition, and if we beat them it would be a good achievement for us.

“It’s a one-off game. Form does come into it, but anyone can beat anyone on their day, so it’s all about whoever turns up.